LOS ANGELES — Pat Spencer has officially secured a standard NBA contract with the Golden State Warriors. This announcement comes just prior to Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a significant milestone for the 29-year-old point guard.
Spencer’s performance has been commendable, highlighted by a career-high 20 points in Thursday’s comeback victory against the Phoenix Suns. His positive attitude and strong work ethic have made him a cherished presence in the Warriors’ locker room. Coach Steve Kerr expressed his relief over Spencer’s promotion from a two-way contract, especially after the team made two trades before the trade deadline, creating the necessary roster spot.
“I was really worried that we were gonna lose him after 50 games and not be able to do anything,” Kerr stated following Thursday’s win. “So it’s a relief to now get him on the main roster, and you can see what he’s capable of.”
This season, Spencer has averaged 5.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.2 rebounds over 14.4 minutes per game, with an impressive shooting percentage of 43.1% from three-point range. His contributions have provided a significant spark off the bench for the Warriors. Spencer’s inspiring journey is noteworthy; he transitioned from being one of the nation’s top lacrosse players to pursuing his NBA aspirations after a single season of college basketball at Northwestern.
“We’re thrilled to have Pat,” said Kerr before the game against the Lakers. “His impact on our team, whether he’s playing or not, is pretty profound. His competitiveness and support contribute greatly to the group. When we give him real opportunities to play, he consistently comes through, so I’m excited to have him full-time. This is very meaningful for him; he’s put in a lot of hard work over the years.”
Spencer initially signed a two-way contract with the Warriors in February 2024, right after going undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft. His journey serves as a testament to perseverance and tenacity, offering hope to many aspiring athletes.